NAD+
NAD+ is the molecule that is regenerated for glycolysis during fermentation. NAD+ is essential for glycolysis to continue in the absence of oxygen by accepting electrons from glucose breakdown.
Regardless of the electron or hydrogen acceptor used, one of the products of fermentation is always ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP is the primary energy carrier in cells and is produced during fermentation to provide energy for cellular processes.
No, NAD+ is
Pyruvate
The NAD+ regenerated by fermentation is essential for maintaining glycolysis under anaerobic conditions. During fermentation, NADH produced in glycolysis is oxidized back to NAD+ as pyruvate is converted into byproducts like lactic acid or ethanol. This recycling of NAD+ allows glycolysis to continue producing ATP, which is vital for cellular energy, even in the absence of oxygen. Ultimately, the fate of regenerated NAD+ is to sustain metabolic processes that rely on anaerobic ATP production.
If NAD+ is not regenerated during fermentation, glycolysis would be blocked as it depends on the continuous regeneration of NAD+ to continue producing ATP. Without NAD+, the conversion of pyruvate into lactate or ethanol would not occur, leading to a buildup of pyruvate and ultimately halting the production of ATP in the absence of oxygen.
During fermentation NADH reacts with pyruvic acid by passing high-energy electrons back to pyruvic acid. This action converts NADH back into the electron carrier NAD+, allowing glycolysis to continue producing a steady supply of ATP.
NAD+ carries hydrogen and, more importantly, an electron during glycolysis.
No, CoA (Coenzyme A) is not an electron carrier. It primarily functions as a carrier of acyl groups in various metabolic pathways, facilitating the transfer of acyl groups during fatty acid metabolism. NADH and FADH2 are examples of electron carriers.
During photosynthesis, NADPH and ATP are recycled through the light-dependent reactions. NADPH is regenerated through the reduction of NADP+ by electrons from water in the electron transport chain. ATP is regenerated through the phosphorylation of ADP using energy from electron transport chain.
During fermentation, O2 is not used as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, as it is in aerobic respiration. Instead, fermentation pathways generate energy through substrate-level phosphorylation in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of byproducts such as ethanol, lactic acid, or other organic compounds.
During lactic acid fermentation, glucose is converted into lactic acid as a byproduct in the absence of oxygen. This process is primarily carried out by certain bacteria and muscle cells in the human body to produce energy anaerobically. Lactic acid fermentation helps in replenishing NAD+ levels necessary for glycolysis to continue in the absence of oxygen.